Branching off the line — saddle branch and branch
To take a drop off an EQOfluids line, you clamp a branch fitting onto the pipe — without cutting it —, drill the wall with a hole saw matched to the outlet diameter, then connect the drop. The branch also handles the reduction (the drop is smaller than the line) and the downward turn, which avoids cutting in a tee and a head elbow.
Two parts, depending on the outlet
| Part | Outlet | Diameters | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branch (89.830) | Aluminium pipe push-fit (Ø20 / 25) | line DN25 → DN63 | All-aluminium EQOfluids drop |
| Threaded saddle (89.835) | NPT thread (1/2” → 3”) | line DN25 → DN160 | Threaded outlet, or large lines (+ NPT→pipe adapter) |
On a line ≤ DN63, the branch is the ideal part: the drop continues in EQOfluids pipe to the point of use. Above DN63, use the threaded saddle, then an adapter if you want to go back to pipe.
Fitting the branch — steps
- Position the offtake part on the pipe, close to its final position — preferably on top of the line (CAGI best practice: condensate stays at the bottom of the pipe, out of the drop); engage the bottom part along the hinge until the screw holes align.
- Screw without tightening, place the clamp in its final position, then tighten the bolt.
- Drill the line with a hole saw of the outlet diameter:
| Outlet | 1/2” | 3/4” | 1” |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hole saw | Ø14 mm (9/16”) | Ø19 mm (3/4”) | Ø24 mm (15/16”) |
- Deburr after drilling and clean out all debris.
- Connect the drop (branch: insert the pipe; saddle: screw on the accessory).
Key point — A clamp-on branch saves cutting the line, but it drills the wall: deburring and cleaning are essential, otherwise aluminium chips travel into the network and a poorly deburred hole leaks.
Size the drop
A drop diameter is computed from the flow of its tools, independently of the main line. The network estimator sizes each drop and automatically selects the branch fitting (line → drop). See also Drop and 45° outlet.
References
- EQOfluids — technical manual (branch and saddle assembly, drilling)
- CAGI — Compressed Air & Gas Handbook (7th ed., 2021), Ch. 4 — take air from the top of the header (condensate stays at the bottom)
- Cutting and assembling the pipe
- Catalogue: network accessories